Earlier this month, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience one of our most popular escorted tours in the Baltics: the Baltic Highlights Tour.
The tour begins in Vilnius, Lithuania, then travels through Riga, Latvia, and finishes in Tallinn, Estonia. Along the way, there are visits to places like Trakai Castle, Jurmala, Gauja National Park, the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, Kadriorg Park and the impressive Kumu Art Museum.
Travelling between the capitals, we also stopped at unforgettable sites such as the Hill of Crosses, the magnificent Rundale Palace, and the charming seaside town of Pärnu.
Here’s how my journey went, day by day.
Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius
I arrived in Vilnius and was greeted by my driver who transferred me to the hotel.
Our group stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, a modern four star hotel overlooking the river and with wonderful views of the Old Town from the top floor bar.
In the evening, we had a welcome meeting where we met our fellow travellers and the tour leader, who introduced us to the itinerary ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Vilnius and visiting Trakai
The day started with a panoramic tour and guided walk around Vilnius’ beautiful Old Town, famous for its medieval architecture and baroque churches. We visited Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St. Anne’s Church, the Gates of Dawn and the historic Old University.
In the afternoon, I joined the optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Trakai Castle, set on an island in Lake Galve, was a real highlight. The local guide shared its fascinating history and walking through the ancient halls surrounded by water was something truly special.
That evening, there was the option to try a traditional Lithuanian dinner at Senoji Trobele.
Day 3: From Vilnius to Riga via the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace
We left Vilnius and travelled north towards Latvia, with our first stop at the remarkable Hill of Crosses. This unique pilgrimage site, covered in thousands upon thousands of crosses placed by visitors over the years, felt deeply atmospheric and moving to walk through.
Afterwards, there was an optional lunch at Simonos Girele restaurant, where our group enjoyed sampling traditional Lithuanian dishes together.
Our journey continued to the stunning Rundale Palace, once the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Inside, we explored its beautifully restored and richly decorated rooms, brought to life by our excellent local guide, Olafs. After the tour, we had a little free time to wander through the formal gardens, which were just as impressive as the palace itself.
By late afternoon, we reached Riga, where we checked in at the Radisson Blu Latvija. With its central location just a short walk from the Old Town, it was the perfect base for the next part of the journey.
Day 4: Discovering Riga and optional visit to Jurmala
Riga is the largest of the Baltic capitals and its architectural mix is truly impressive. Our morning walking tour included the Art Nouveau district and the Old Town, where we saw landmarks like Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church and the famous Three Brothers houses.
In the afternoon, there was an optional excursion to Jurmala, Latvia’s lively seaside resort known for its sandy beach and historic wooden villas. Some of the group went, while others chose to relax or explore Riga further.
In the evening, there was also an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral, which offered something unique for those interested in music.
Day 5: Gauja National Park and the Ethnographical Open Air Museum
After getting to know Riga, there was an optional morning tour to Gauja National Park and the pretty town of Sigulda. The group heard the legend of the Rose of Turaida and visited the ruins of the medieval castles.
In the afternoon, another optional visit was available to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, where historic wooden farmsteads and windmills show what rural Latvian life looked like centuries ago.
Day 6: From Riga to Tallinn with a stop in Pärnu
We left Riga and headed north towards Estonia, following the scenic coastal highway. Partway through the journey, we stopped in Pärnu, a laid back summer resort town known for its sandy beach and charming old centre.
We had just enough time for a quick walk along the beach to take in the sea air, followed by some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch at one of the local cafés. Although the stop was quite short, it offered a refreshing change of scenery and a glimpse of Pärnu’s relaxed holiday atmosphere.
By early afternoon, we were back on the road and soon arrived in Tallinn. Our base for the final nights of the tour was the Radisson Blu Hotel Olympia, conveniently located within walking distance of the medieval Old Town.
Day 7: Exploring Tallinn and Kadriorg Park
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is wonderfully atmospheric, with its cobbled streets, merchant houses and fairytale church spires. On our guided tour, we wandered through narrow lanes and historic squares, passing landmarks such as Toompea Castle, the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church and the medieval Town Hall Square. It truly felt like stepping back in time.
In the afternoon, there was an optional visit to Kadriorg Park — a beautiful baroque park commissioned by Peter the Great — and the nearby Kumu Art Museum, which combines classic and contemporary Estonian art under one striking modern roof.
In the evening, many of us joined an optional medieval dinner at the atmospheric Restaurant Maikrahv. Inspired by old Estonian traditions, the dinner brought everyone together around long tables, just as locals would have gathered centuries ago, complete with live medieval entertainment and even a sword fight! It was a real must?do experience and the perfect way to round off the week in Tallinn.
Day 8: Departure from Tallinn
After breakfast, it was time to check out and transfer to the airport for the journey home.
Reflecting on the week, I realised just how much history, culture and natural beauty is packed into these three countries. The Baltic Highlights Tour is a perfect introduction and it definitely helped me see why our travellers love it so much.
Practical Information
Direct flights for this tour are available from London Luton. It is also possible to add an extra night in Vilnius and fly directly from London Stansted. Connecting flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.
The Baltic Highlights Tour is a multinational escorted coach tour designed for English, German, Spanish and Italian travellers, with each language group having their own dedicated guide during city tours. The maximum group size is 36 guests.
For those wishing to extend their journey, it’s possible to continue to Helsinki as part of the Baltic Metropoles tour, or to start the itinerary in Riga on the Baltic Capitals tour.
By Nikola Stenka
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)